Purdue superfan and cancer hero Tyler Trent died in early January, but a fellow Boilermakers' 99.6-mile walk to Tuesday's game between rival Indiana University proves that Trent's nationwide message of perseverance still lives on today.

In honor of Trent, Purdue student Aaron Lai fought through what he described as "unbearable pain" and accomplished his goal of walking from West Lafayette to Bloomington before 7 p.m. tipoff at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. He announced his arrival in an Instagram live video and Twitter post, stating he made it to the game around 6:20 p.m.

Lai took to Twitter on Jan. 20 to announce his journey, which he kicked off Sunday morning to remember his late grandfather and raise money for the Tyler Trent Research Cancer Research Endowment. The Purdue student is accepting donations through a GoFundMe account titled "A Walk for Tyler," which is more than $8,000 pass its $10,000 goal.

Players from Central Catholic and Lafayette Jeff pose a group photo with Tyler Trent before playing to Spike Out Cancer Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in Lafayette. Trent is a sophomore at Purdue battling cancer. CC defeated Jeff 25-14, 25-17, 25-13. John Terhune/Journal & Courier,

The Purdue faithful show their support for Tyler Trent as the Boilermakers pull away from Ohio State in the fourth quarter Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. Trent, a Purdue student, is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Purdue upset the No. 2 ranked Buckeyes 49-20. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

The jumbo tron features Purdue student Tyler Trent as he encourages the fans to stand up and shout at the end of the third quarter as Purdue battles Ohio State Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. Trent is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Purdue upset the No. 2 ranked Buckeyes 49-20. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

What an honor to meet you @alai2016 ! What an amazing young man you are and what an accomplishment. Just WOW! Words are inadequate for our gratefulness for your sacrifice! Praying you get some seriously good rest tonight and recovery! So glad our Boilers won!!!💛🖤 https://t.co/shcs3vff2n